2001 Hunter 240 small amount of water in bilge - possible sources? And, help with ballast rod and plug. Thank you!

[SailNB]

Hello!
We continue to get water in the bilge area, mainly aft under the aft sleeping area. I say mainly aft. It doesn't seem to be coming in at the bow/V-berth area, though there was water there as well. I'm not sure if it's coming in at the bow and running backwards or coming in aft and running forward. It's typically a little bit to less than 1/2 gallon. The bilge area can be dry for a few days and then we find water, even while the boat is sitting at the dock.

I'm new to owning a boat this large (only 14' sailboats prior to our 240). The prior owner stated that what I'm describing was not her experience.

Also, the ballast plug and rod do not seem to be working properly. The plug isn't tight at all. I even purchased a new plug. The plug goes in so easily - it just sits in there. The rod wing nut just turns one way or the other - no tightening either way. It seems that neither of those are operating as the manual states they should.

I appreciate any help any of you can provide - especially Crazy Dave! Thank you! It's nice to have a place to go for help which is one of the best parts of being a sailor!

Kelly

 

[SailNB]

Hello,
I attempted to edit my post, but could not find how to do that. I'm posting here. We found the area of the bilge where the water was collecting and then moving aft as we were aboard. It was collecting in the floatation compartment. I suspect that when there was enough rain, the water would flow out of the compartment - the wood cover over that area had softened and rotted to allow the water to escape - it would move aft.

We're now trying to determine if it is the anchor locker drain tube seal that needs repaired or if the drain tube is cracked between where it enters in the locker and exits on the starboard side of the boat.

I'd still be happy to understand more about the water ballast plug and rod that I also asked about in my post.

Thank you!

Kel

 

[SteveHughessails]

Glad you found the leak. The plug doesn’t sound good. You said you bought a new one. It’s is a simple process. The new plug should have the threaded rod and a pin. When you put the new plug in make sure the pin goes into the correct hole. When you tighten the butterfly nut clockwise it will pull the plug up and against the hull. When you loosen it it will of course make the plate move away from the hull.

If it is just spinning, I would guess you are missing the alignment pin. Post a picture.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Just in case you don’t have the manual. Here is a link to some really good info on this site for our 240’s.

Hunter resources, by model

Hunter resources, by model

hunter.sailboatowners.com

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I am a former Hunter dealer who was involved with the design of your boat, introduced it and sold nearly 20% of the production line. I have questions to ask. Can you send me your telephone number via private message?

@SteveHughessails nailed it regarding the drain bail plug.

can anyone please vouch for me

dave

 

[Rick Webb]

One source I found on my 23.5 and I believe the 240 has the same set up. The anchor locker slide bolt slides into a space that is not sealed. I found water would run down the bolt and into the boat.
At that vintage the grommet at the bottom of the anchor locker should be removed and at least resealed and the hose inspected. If you've gone through the trouble of removing it might as well spend the four dollars and replace it.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The first mentioned was water found in the rear berths or more specifically the bilge area. There are several water penetration points. However it may very well be the hull to deck joint has cracked back on the transom. I have questions to ask. I was involved with this design upgrade from the 23.5

 

[Rick Webb]

The Ubolt in the anchor locker probably deserves some attention as well.

 

[Davenport]

I think water condenses inside boats, the lake or ocean is colder than air so the water in air condenses on inside on any below waterline interior. So, all boats will "leak" a bit on inside.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I sent a private message to the poster. Will report back if there is any responses

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@SailNB
For locating deck leaks, simply close the opening ports, seal off the forward hatch lid with tape and cover the entire companionway with a piece of plastic. Put a a small slit in the companionway plastic just enough to put a leaf blower tube through the slit and tape it. Have a second person on the deck with a bucket of soapy water brushing everything topsides to see if air is bubbling out with leaf blower on. What you are doing is pressuring the cabin. It is a trick that yards use.

normally the bilge area is under the rear berth where the bilge pump is located. If water is seen under the rear berth, see if water is coming from the transom. If it is, then let me know. You will need to have people standing in the rear of the cockpit when checking for a leak in the transom where the hull meets the deck joint

 

[SailNB]

Thank you, Dave! I will let you know. I travel for work and have been away the past few weeks. I'm only home one day and then I leave again tomorrow through Friday. I'll be at the boat sometime after that. The small amount of water we've had can be wiped up with a small cloth. It only seems to happen when it rains. There is no water on top of the aft berth (we removed all of the cushions to have easy access to the aft bilge area).

Once I get back, we'll test it - I may even lie down there with a flashlight while it's raining. I'll call you after that. Thank you! You truly are my hero! I love the Hunter 240! In fact, I loved the Hunter 16 I sailed eons ago. They are amazing!

Sending you an appreciation hug! I hope that's okay.
Kel